Local women set for catwalk during fashion show in aid of Muff First Responders

A host of local women will take to the catwalk for a fashion extravaganza to raise funds for Muff Community First Responders (CFR) on Saturday, March 7.

The show, which takes place on the eve of International Women’s Day at St Mary’s Hall in Muff, will be the first showing of the spring collection from well-known Inishowen boutique Deirdre’s of the Diamond in Carndonagh.

Promising to be a night of celebration and glamour, there will be a drinks reception as doors open at 7pm, as well as refreshments and goodie bags for those in attendance.

A long-time collaborator with local charities, on this occasion all proceeds from Deirdre’s fashion show will go towards the recruitment of new volunteers with Muff Community First Responders.

The funds raised will also help supply them with kit bags, PPE gear, defibrillators and allow the local group to buy training equipment to roll out further training to the local community.

First Responders rely on fundraising efforts to pay for routine operational costs and the fashion show will help ensure this continues.

According to Tanya McColgan, who recently completed her first responder’s training, the mission statement of the Muff Community First Responders is to enhance the health, safety and resilience in our community through the provision of rapid, professional and compassionate assistance during medical emergencies.

“Our overarching purpose is to preserve life, prevent the deterioration of medical conditions and promote long-term health,” explains Ms McColgan, a well-known and respected artist and businesswoman, who, with her sister Karen Browne, runs Maiden Heaven in Redcastle.

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Paddy Walker, founder and lead trainer with the Muff First Responders, said the group was dedicated to pursuing its mission by recruiting dedicated volunteers, delivering structured and accredited training to members of the public, and ensuring the strategic placement of defibrillators throughout the area.

“We will also work to build strong partnerships with local schools, organisations and community groups in order to provide widespread training and empower as many people as possible with lifesaving skills,” Mr Walker said.

“Through training, education, community engagement and close co-ordination with emergency services and other CFR groups, we aim to ensure every individual in our community has timely access to effective and reliable intervention when it’s most needed,” he further explained.

Limited tickets for the fashion show are available through local first responders Tanya McColgan, Sarah Mackey and Lorraine Lynch. You can also get them at Deirdre’s of the Diamond in Carndonagh.